Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Editor’s note: The print version of this story that appeared in Friday’s edition of the Sun misspelled the Lt. Governor’s name as Colmean instead of Coleman. The online version has been updated to correct the error.

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman presented $381,797 for infrastructure improvements in Clark County at the courthouse Wednesday afternoon.

“As a rural Kentuckian, I know that it is sometimes difficult for counties and cities to fund major upgrades on their own, no matter how important they are,” Coleman said.

“That’s why it’s our job in state government to help close the gaps and make sure these projects get across the finish line, and I’m proud to help do that today here in Winchester.”

The funding comes from Gov. Andy Beshear’s Better Kentucky Plan’s Cleaner Water Program.

“These grants are going to help our families stay healthy and they’re going to ensure better protection during emergencies, too,” Gov. Beshear said. “As we build a better

Kentucky together, we need to continue investing in our infrastructure, just like we’re doing today.”

Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and administered by the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA), $250 million was appropriated through a bipartisan agreement at the close of the 2021 General Assembly for clean drinking water and wastewater grants to fund projects across Kentucky.

The Bluegrass Area Development District submitted the following funding request to the KIA.

The funds will be used by Winchester Municipal Utilities Commission to modify a water intake facility.

Local leaders were sounded off the presentation.

“We are very pleased that Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman is coming to our community to share with us an award from the Cleaner Water Program,” Clark County Judge/Executive Henry Branham said.“Like most small communities Winchester/Clark County continually strives to improve our fresh water systems for our citizens. This award will assist us substantially in that effort.”

Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner said the funds will help economic development in the area.

“The city of Winchester is pleased to receive Cleaner Water Program funding from the governor and the commonwealth of Kentucky,” Burtner said. “The funds will be used to complete a critical reservoir raw water interconnect to our recently completed 9mgd potable clean water producing plant. Economic development can only occur in an environment that has adequate infrastructure. This project will enhance our ability to grow as a community.”

The announcement drew praise from the area’s two Republican representatives in the general assembly.

“My colleagues and I in the state legislature very deliberately allocated one-time federal funds toward worthwhile projects such as this,” State Sen. Ralph Alvarado said. “I am eager to see improvements to our local drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and witness its various benefits to our community. I appreciate all who played a role in making this possible.”

“We’re using these funds to make water quality improvements that are much needed in our community,” said Rep. Ryan Dotson, who represents Clark County. “These infrastructure projects will enhance the quality of life for so many and continue to pay dividends for future generations of Kentuckians. I applaud the legislature for providing this critical funding, which will help us build a commonwealth that is the best place to live and grow a family.”